Alzheimer's disease, glycemia and glycated hemoglobin - review Alzheimer's disease and diabetes

Abstract

Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial syndrome and diabetes and decreased brain glucose metabolic rate may be involved in the onset and progression of AD. Changes in insulin signaling pathways and decreased brain energy resulting from low glucose availability are factors that favor AD. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between glycemia, diabetes and AD. Method: Descriptive systematic review using the following descriptors: Alzheimer's disease and blood glucose. Twenty-five original articles were selected, all studies were in human modal with evidence of Alzheimer's disease and the analysis of glycemia or/and glycated hemoglobin (HbA-1c). Results: 1,165 individuals with a mean age of 72.4 years were identified. Of these, 54.6% had normal blood glucose and 98.1% had HbA1-c in the prediabetes and diabetes range. Considering glycemia and HbA1-c parameters, 16.6% were classified as diabetic. Conclusion: The data showed the association between hyperglycemia, increased HbA-1c and pre-diabetes and diabetes with AD. They also suggest that, as AD is clinically manifested years after the onset of diabetes, maintaining normoglycemia and preventing the onset of pre-diabetes and diabetes may minimize the development of AD.